With little known about the impact of acculturation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) self-care among immigrants, this study examined acculturation among Chinese immigrants and investigated its association with CVD self-care behaviours in this population.
A cross-sectional study was conducted, employing multiple acculturation indices and the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory to collect data from Chinese immigrants with CVD via Chinese Community Centres, social media and cardiac clinics. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were employed. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.
Altogether 260 participants were recruited; 47.7% were female; the mean age was 71.8 years, the mean age at migration was 55.1 years and their mean duration of residence in Australia was 16.7 years; 41.2% could not speak English. Participants reported low acculturation levels via the Suinn Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation scale (mean score 1.8), but perceived high self-efficacy in coping with acculturation stressors relating to their health management (mean score 33.6). Their attitudes scored as slight agreement with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) beliefs (mean score 3.4). Proxy acculturation measures revealed lower levels of acculturation associated with better CVD self-care behaviours. Higher perceived self-efficacy in coping with acculturation stress was linked with better CVD self-care maintenance and monitoring and better self-care management was observed among participants holding a stronger belief in TCM.
The acculturation of Chinese Australian immigrants contributed to the explanation of the variance in their CVD self-care behaviours.
Comprehensive assessment of acculturation in patients with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can help nurses identify those likely to demonstrate poor CVD self-care behaviours, and culturally specific, individually tailored interventions may support improved self-care.
Patients were involved as participants in this study for data collection.
To synthesise the dietary expesriences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease by reviewing relevant qualitative studies.
Diet plays a crucial role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet that can be recommended for all patients. We conducted a synthesis of qualitative studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dietary management experience of patients with IBD, aiming to provide better dietary guidance in the future.
A qualitative synthesis was conducted following the Thomas and Harden method and reported following the ENTREQ statement.
Qualitative studies were systematically searched in five electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. There was no time limit for publication, and all database searches were up to 10 May, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was utilised to appraise the quality of the included studies. Data for inclusion in articles were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method.
Six studies involving 119 patients were eventually included. The studies were conducted in six different countries. Four major themes were identified: the diet of patients with IBD is completely different from the normal one; manage symptoms and live with the disease by modifying diet; psychological adjustment to eating (be frustrated; worried and afraid; feel ashamed; growth and resilience); barriers and challenges (barriers from perceived social support; conflicts between diet and nutrition; challenges from food hedonism and cravings).
Patients with IBD highlighted the distinction between their diet and the normal diet. Dietary modifications were used as a way to manage symptoms and live with the disease. In addition to physical symptoms, patients experienced diet-related psychological changes. Dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters difficulties and challenges, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.
(1) The implementation of dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters numerous obstacles and complexities, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.
No patient or public contribution.
The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023391545).